Factors affecting timing of closure and non-reversal of temporary ileostomies

Prosthetic mesh placement for the prevention of parastomal herniation

BACKGROUND

Parastomal herniation is a common problem following formation of a stoma after both elective and emergency abdominal surgery. Symptomatic hernias give rise to a significant amount of patient morbidity, and in some cases mortality, and therefore may necessitate surgical treatment to repair the hernial defect and/or re-site the stoma. In an effort to reduce this complication, recent research has focused on the application of a synthetic or biological mesh, inserted during stoma formation to help strengthen the abdominal wall.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective was to evaluate whether mesh reinforcement during stoma formation reduces the incidence of parastomal herniation. Secondary objectives included the safety or potential harms or both of mesh placement in terms of stoma-related infections, mesh-related infections, patient-reported symptoms/postoperative quality of life, and re-hospitalisation/ambulatory visits.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; the Cochrane Library 2018, Issue 1), Ovid MEDLINE (1970 to 11 January 2018), Ovid Embase (1974 to 11 January 2018), and Science Citation Index Expanded (1970 to 11 January 2018). To identify ongoing studies, we also searched the metaRegister of Controlled Trials (mRCT) on 11 January 2018.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We considered for inclusion all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of prosthetic mesh (including biological/composite mesh) placement versus a control group (no mesh) for the prevention of parastomal hernia.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed the studies identified by the literature search for potential eligibility. We obtained the full articles for all studies that potentially met the inclusion criteria and included all those that met the criteria. Any differences in opinion between review authors were resolved by consensus. We pooled study data into a meta-analysis. We assessed heterogeneity by calculation of I² and expressed results for each variable as a risk ratio (RR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). We expressed continous outcomes as mean difference (MD) with corresponding 95% CIs.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 10 RCTs involving a total of 844 participants. The primary outcome was overall incidence of parastomal herniation. Secondary outcomes were rate of reoperation at 12 months, operative time, postoperative length of hospital stay, stoma-related infections, mesh-related infections, quality of life, and rehospitalisation rate. We judged the risk of bias across all domains to be low in six trials. We judged four trials to have an overall high risk of bias.The overall incidence of parastomal hernia was less in participants receiving a prophylactic mesh compared to those who had a standard ostomy formation (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.66; 10 studies, 771 participants; I² = 69%; low-quality evidence). In absolute numbers, the incidence of parastomal hernia was 22 per 100 participants (18 to 27) receiving prophylactic mesh compared to 41 per 100 participants having a standard ostomy formation.There were no differences in the need for reoperation (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.64; 9 studies, 757 participants; I² = 0%; low-quality evidence); operative time (MD -6.50 (min), 95% CI -18.24 to 5.24; 6 studies, 671 participants; low-quality evidence); postoperative length of hospital stay (MD -0.95 (days), 95% CI -2.03 to 0.70; 4 studies, 500 participants; moderate-quality evidence); or stoma-related infections (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.32 to 2.50; 6 studies, 472 participants; I² = 0%; low-quality evidence) between the two groups.We were unable to analyse mesh-related infections, quality of life, and rehospitalisation rate due to sparse data or because the outcome was not reported in the included studies.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This Cochrane Review included 10 RCTs with a total of 844 participants. The review demonstrated a reduction in the incidence of parastomal hernia in people who had a prophylactic synthetic mesh placed at the time of the index operation compared to a standard ostomy formation. However, our confidence in this estimate is low due to the presence of a large degree of clinical heterogeneity, as well as high variability in follow-up duration and technique of parastomal herniation detection. We found the rate of stoma-related infection to be similar in both the intervention and control groups.

Impact of surgical proficiency levels on postoperative morbidity: a single centre analysis of 558 ileostomy reversals

PURPOSE

Defunctioning ileostomies reduce the consequences of distal anastomotic leakage following bowel resections. Ileostomy reversal in itself, however, is associated with appreciable morbidity (3-40%) and mortality (0-4%). Despite being a common teaching procedure, there is limited information on the impact of surgical proficiency levels on postoperative outcome.

METHODS

Adult patients undergoing closure of a defunctioning ileostomy between September 2008 and January 2017 were identified from a surgical administrative database that was collected prospectively (n = 558). Baseline characteristics (age, ASA score, BMI, health care insurance coverage) and closure techniques were recorded. Operation time, rate of bowel resection, postoperative complications ranked by Clavien-Dindo classification and length of stay were analysed with respect to proficiency levels (residents vs. consultants).

RESULTS

Two hundred three ileostomy reversals were performed by residents; 355 ileostomies were closed by consultants. Operation time was considerably shorter in the consultant group (p < 0.001). Major postoperative complication rates however were not different among the groups when adjusted for possible confounders (p = 0.948). The rate of anastomotic leakage was 3% and the overall major morbidity rate was 11%.

CONCLUSION

Operation time rather than surgical outcome and overall morbidity were affected by surgical proficiency levels. Therefore, ileostomy reversal can be considered an appropriate teaching operation for young general surgery trainees.

Defunctioning ileostomy reduces leakage rate in rectal cancer surgery - systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives

The role of a defunctioning ileostomy in every anterior rectal resection with total mesorectal excision (TME) is still controversial. In this study, we aimed to review the current literature to determine the impact of ileostomy creation on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing anterior rectal resection with TME.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library were searched for eligible studies. We analyzed data up to October 2017. Eligible studies had to compare patients with vs. without a defunctioning ileostomy in rectal cancer surgery and comprise data on anastomotic leakage in both groups. The primary outcome was anastomotic leakage. Secondary outcomes included the complication rate, mortality, reoperation rate, length of hospital stay and 30-day readmission.

Results

Initial search yielded 1,966 articles. Thorough evaluation resulted in 13 eligible articles which were analyzed. Leakage rate (RR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.28-0.67) and the number of reoperations (RR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.40-0.94) were significantly lower in the defunctioning stoma group. Morbidity was significantly higher in the stoma group (RR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.05–1.65). Analysis of mortality, length of hospital stay and readmission rate did not show any significant differences.

Conclusion

A defunctioning ileostomy may decrease the anastomotic leakage rate, additionally significantly reducing the risk of reoperations but it may also increase the overall complication rate. The presence of the protective stoma has no effect on mortality, length of hospital stay and readmission rate.

Impact of an institutional change from routine to highly selective diversion of a low anastomosis after TME for rectal cancer

INTRODUCTION

The need for routine diverting ileostomy following restorative total mesorectal excision (TME) is increasingly debated as the benefits might not outweigh the disadvantages. This study evaluated an institutional shift from routine (RD) to highly selective diversion (HSD) after TME surgery for rectal cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients having TME with primary anastomosis and HSD for low or mid rectal cancer between December 2014 and March 2017 were compared with a historical control group with RD in the preceding period since January 2011. HSD was introduced in conjunction with uptake of transanal TME.

RESULTS

In the RD group, 45/50 patients (90%) had a primary diverting stoma, and 3/40 patients (8%) in the HSD group. Anastomotic leakage occurred in 10 (20%) and three (8%) cases after a median follow-up of 36 and 19 months after RD and HSD, respectively. There was no postoperative mortality. An unintentional stoma beyond 1 year postoperative was present in six and two patients, respectively. One-year stoma-related readmission and reoperation rate (including reversal) after RD were 84% and 86%, respectively. Corresponding percentages were significantly lower after HSD (17% and 17%; P < 0.001). Total hospital stay within one year was median 11 days (IQR 8-19) versus 5 days (IQR 4-11), respectively (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This single institutional comparative cohort study shows that highly selective defunctioning of a low anastomosis in rectal cancer patients did not adversely affect incidence or consequences of anastomotic leakage with a substantial decrease in 1-year readmission and reintervention rate, leading to an overall significantly reduced hospital stay.

Loop-ileostomy reversal-patient-related characteristics influencing time to closure

PURPOSE

To identify factors associated with timing of stoma reversal after rectal cancer surgery in a large Swedish register-based cohort.

METHODS

Three thousand five hundred sixty-four patients with rectal cancer who received a protective stoma during surgery in 2007-2013 were identified in the Swedish colorectal cancer register. Time to stoma reversal was evaluated over a follow-up period of one and a half years. Factors associated with timing of stoma reversal were analysed using Cox regression analysis. Reversal within 9 months (12 months if adjuvant chemotherapy) was considered latest expected time to closure.

RESULTS

Stoma reversal was performed in 2954 (82.9%) patients during follow-up. Patients with post-secondary education had an increased chance for early stoma reversal (HR 1.13; 95% CI 1.02-1.25). Postoperative complications (0.67; 0.62-0.73), adjuvant chemotherapy (0.63; 0.57-0.69), more advanced cancer stage (stage III 0.74; 0.66-0.83 and stage IV 0.38; 0.32-0.46) and higher ASA score (0.80; 0.71-0.90 for ASA 3-4) were associated with longer time to reversal. Two thousand four hundred thirty-seven (68.4%) patients had stoma reversal within latest expected time to closure. Factors associated to decreased chance of timely reversal were more advanced cancer stage (stage III 0.64; 0.50-0.81 and stage IV 0.19; 0.13-0.27), postoperative complications (0.50; 0.42-0.59) and higher ASA score (0.77; 0.61-0.96 for ASA 3-4).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with a high level of education had a higher chance of timely reversal but medical factors had a stronger association to time to reversal. Patients with advanced rectal cancer are at high risk for non-reversal and should be considered for permanent stoma.

Risk Factors for Postoperative Complications Following Diverting Loop Ileostomy Takedown

INTRODUCTION

Diverting loop ileostomies are frequently created to divert the fecal stream in an effort to protect downstream anastomoses. These are later reversed to restore intestinal continuity. The goal of this study is to evaluate risk factors for postoperative complications following diverting loop ileostomy takedown.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients who underwent diverting loop ileostomy takedown between January 1, 2010 and April 28, 2015 were identified in the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative registry. Candidate covariates were identified and a hierarchical logistic regression model was used to identify risk factors for postoperative complications.

RESULTS

1,737 patients met the inclusion criteria. Rates of postoperative complications were generally low. Mean length of stay (LOS) was 5.6 (± 4.5) days. Outcomes of interest were the following: overall morbidity, serious morbidity, extended LOS, SSI, UTI, pneumonia, readmission, reoperation, and mortality. Risk factors for these outcomes included the following: ASA class, bleeding disorder, prolonged operative time, race, tobacco use, gender, steroid use, peripheral vascular disease, weight loss, and functional status.

CONCLUSIONS

Diverting loop ileostomy takedown has a complication rate of approximately 20%. Higher ASA class, longer operative times, history of bleeding disorder, and functional status were identified as risk factors for most complications.

Preoperative radiotherapy for patients with rectal cancer: a risk factor for non-reversal of ileostomy caused by stenosis or stiffness proximal to colorectal anastomosis

The influence of radiotherapy on permanent stoma and the bowel proximal to anastomosis was not well investigated. The current study aimed to analyze the effect of preoperative radiotherapy on colorectal anastomosis and incidence of non-reversal ileostomy. A total of 184 eligible patients with rectal cancer undergoing loop ileostomy were included. Patients were well selected by excluding some confounding factors and divided into two groups according to whether they received preoperative radiotherapy. Patients with preoperative radiotherapy had higher incidence of non-reversal stoma (12.8%, P = 0.004) and stenosis or stiffness around anastomosis (21.1%, P < 0.01) including 13 patients with stenosis or stiffness proximal to anastomosis. Stenosis proximal to anastomosis was different from anastomotic stricture caused by surgery and could be described by imaging findings. Preoperative radiotherapy prolonged the interval to closure (P = 0.008) and was defined as a significant risk factor for permanent stoma (HR, 0.627; 95% CI, 0.405-0.973; P = 0.04) by multivariate Cox regression analysis. In conclusion, Preoperative radiotherapy increased incidence of non-reversal ileostomy and stenosis or stiffness proximal to anastomosis in rectal cancer patients with radical resection and diverting ileostomy.

Laparoscopic-Assisted Resection for Advanced Colorectal Cancer in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

AIM

To evaluate the feasibility, short- and long-term outcomes, and safety of laparoscopic resection for advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) in solid organ transplant recipients.

METHODS

Between September 2001 and April 2016, five patients who underwent laparoscopic-assisted resection for CRC after solid organ transplantation were included in this study. Their clinical data were retrospectively analyzed with regard to patient demographics, immunosuppressive therapy, tumor characteristics, surgical outcomes, and follow-up data.

RESULTS

Four kidney and one heart transplant recipients were included. Laparoscopic-assisted low anterior resection was performed in four patients with rectal or rectosigmoid junction cancer, and sigmoidectomy was done in one with sigmoid colon cancer. One kidney transplant patient received a protective loop transverse colostomy. All resections achieved complete tumor removal with tumor-free margins and total mesorectal excision, with an average number of 14 lymph nodes harvested. Most tumors were in stage III (n = 3), one was in stage II, and one in stage IV. The mean duration of surgery, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative hospital stay were 144 min, 105 mL, and 8.8 days, respectively. No major complications occurred and graft function stayed well. During a mean follow-up period of 62 months, two patients developed metastasis and died eventually.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic resection for advanced CRC in organ transplant recipients is technically feasible and therapeutically safe, and seems to have the advantages of few postoperative complications, short recovery time, and acceptable oncological outcomes.

Home visits as part of a new care pathway (iAID) to improve quality of care and quality of life in ostomy patients: a cluster-randomized stepped-wedge trial

AIM

Morbidity in patients with an ostomy is high. A new care pathway, including perioperative home visits by enterostomal therapists, was studied to assess whether more elaborate education and closer guidance could reduce stoma-related complications and improve quality of life (QoL), at acceptable cost.

METHOD

Patients requiring an ileostomy or colostomy, for any inflammatory or malignant bowel disease, were included in a 15-centre cluster-randomized 'stepped-wedge' study. Primary outcomes were stoma-related complications and QoL, measured using the Stoma-QOL, 3 months after surgery. Secondary outcomes included costs of care.

RESULTS

The standard pathway (SP) was followed by 113 patients and the new pathway (NP) by 105 patients. Although the overall number of stoma-related complications was similar in both groups (SP 156, NP 150), the proportion of patients experiencing one or more stoma-related complications was significantly higher in the NP (72% vs 84%, risk difference 12%; 95% CI: 0.3-23.3%). Although in the NP more patients had stoma-related complications, QoL scores were significantly better (P < 0.001). In the SP more patients required extra care at home for their ostomy than in the NP (60.6% vs 33.7%, respectively; risk difference 26.9%, 95% CI: 13.5-40.4%). Stoma revision was done more often in the SP (n = 11) than in the NP (n = 2). Total costs in the SP did not differ significantly from the NP.

CONCLUSION

The NP did not reduce the number of stoma-related complications but did lead to improved quality of care and life, against similar costs. Based on these results the NP, including perioperative home visits by an enterostomal therapist, can be recommended.

Morbidity Associated with Diverting Loop Ileostomies: Weighing Diversion in Rectosigmoid Resection

Anterior resection with primary anastomosis is the procedure of choice for patients with rectosigmoid cancers with good sphincter function. Surgeons may perform an associated diverting loop ileostomy (DLI) to minimize the likelihood and/or the severity of an anastomotic leak. To examine the morbidity of DLIs, we performed a review of a prospectively maintained database. Participants included all patients at the Massachusetts General Hospital who underwent anterior resection from January 2013 to July 2015 for rectosigmoid cancers and who subsequently underwent adjuvant chemotherapy. The primary outcome was time to start of adjuvant chemotherapy. Secondary outcomes included length of hospitalization, perioperative complications, and 60-day postoperative complications. Inclusion criteria were met in 57 patients and DLI was performed in 21 (37%). The DLI group had higher estimated blood loss (431.7 vs 192.1 mL, P = 0.03) and a longer operation time (3.7 vs 2.3 hours, P = 0.0007). The DLI group took over a week longer to start adjuvant chemotherapy than the non-DLI group (median time to chemo: 43 vs 34 days, P = 0.002). Postoperatively, DLI was associated with a longer hospitalization (6.7 vs 3.1 days, P = 0.0003), more perioperative complications (57.1% vs 13.9%, P = 0.0006), and more 60-day read-missions or emergency department visits (38.1% vs 5.6%, P = 0.002). Ostomies are associated with appreciable morbidity. In turn, they do not eliminate postoperative complications. Surgeons should closely consider ostomy morbidity in rectosigmoid resection and institute a proactive approach toward identification and prevention of complications.

Early closure of defunctioning stoma increases complications related to stoma closure after concurrent chemoradiotherapy and low anterior resection in patients with rectal cancer

Background

After a low anterior resection, creating a defunctioning stoma is vital for securing the anastomosis in low-lying rectal cancer patients receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Although it decreases the complication and reoperation rates associated with anastomotic leakage, the complications that arise before and after stoma closure should be carefully evaluated and managed.

Methods

This study enrolled 95 rectal cancer patients who received neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy and low anterior resection with anastomosis of the bowel between July 2010 and November 2012. A defunctioning stoma was created in 63 patients during low anterior resection and in another three patients after anastomotic leakage.

Results

The total complication rate from stoma creation to closure was 36.4%. Ileostomy led to greater renal insufficiency than colostomy did and significantly increased the readmission rate (all p < 0.05). The complication rate related to stoma closure was 36.0%. Patients with ileostomy had an increased risk of developing complications (p = 0.017), and early closure of the defunctioning stoma yielded a higher incidence of morbidity (p = 0.006). Multivariate analysis revealed that a time to closure of ≤109 days was an independent risk factor for developing complications (p = 0.007).

Conclusions

The optimal timing of stoma reversal is at least 109 days after stoma construction in rectal cancer patients receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy and low anterior resection.

Effectiveness between early and late temporary ileostomy closure in patients with rectal cancer: A prospective study

A temporary stoma is often used in rectal cancer surgery to protect a distal anastomosis, which remains a major concern after rectal cancer surgery, particularly after low anterior resection. The temporary stoma is scheduled for closure. However, the optimal time of closure of the protecting stoma remains unclear because of sparse studies and data. We aimed to detect the efficacy between early and late temporary ileostomy closure in patients with rectal cancer during or after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. We conducted a prospective, 2-group design between early and late ileostomy closure group in patients after rectal cancer surgery with temporary stoma. Participants were recruited in a teaching hospital in Guangzhou, China. A total of 161 patients confirmed diagnosis of rectal cancer underwent curative surgery and temporary ileostomy. Participants with temporary ileostomy received closure surgery after 1 (early) or 6 (late) months were assessed by clinical parameters and quality of life. Patients in late closure group received more adjuvant chemotherapy cycles but with comparable incidence of stoma closure-related complications and length of hospital stay compared to early closure group. Participants in late closure group with standardized postoperative chemotherapy might have a better prognosis compared with those in early closure group. An increased emphasis should be given to choose the optimal closure time of patients with rectal cancer having temporary ileostomy. Colorectal nurses could provide support to physician for observation of prognosis of different closure time.

Feasibility of umbilical loop ileostomy in overweight and obese patients with rectal cancer during laparoscopic surgery: Preliminary results

We examined the feasibility of umbilical diverting ileostomy for overweight and obese patients with rectal cancer undergoing laparoscopic surgery. Four patients who were overweight or obese (BMI > 27 kg/m² ) were initially scheduled for the creation of a conventional loop ileostomy. Intraoperatively, however, this was considered too complicated because of thick subcutaneous fat, bulky mesentery, or both. Instead, patients received a diverting ileostomy with the placement of an umbilical stoma. All patients had protruding umbilical ileostomies. No severe stoma-related complications were encountered. One patient had minor skin dehiscence, and another had paralytic ileus but resumed oral intake after a short time. Performing a temporary loop ileostomy at the umbilicus was safe and feasible in this small group of overweight and obese patients. This stoma placement may avoid the problems inherent to conventional loop ileostomy in obese subjects.

Fortune of temporary ileostomies in patients treated with laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer

PURPOSE

The current study aims to analyze the risk factors for the failure of ileostomy reversal after laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer.

METHODS

All patients who underwent a laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer with a diverting ileostomy between 2007 and 2014 were abstracted. The patients who underwent and did not undergo a diverting ileostomy procedure were compared regarding patient, tumor, treatment related parameters, and survival.

RESULTS

Among 160 (103 males [64.4%], mean [± standard deviation] age was 58.1 ± 11.9 years) patients, stoma reversal was achieved in 136 cases (85%). Anastomotic stricture (n = 13, 52.4%) was the most common reason for stoma reversal. These were the risk factors for the failure of stoma reversal: Male sex (P = 0.035), having complications (P = 0.01), particularly an anastomotic leak (P < 0.001), or surgical site infection (P = 0.019) especially evisceration (P = 0.011), requirement for reoperation (P = 0.003) and longer hospital stay (P = 0.004). Multivariate analysis revealed that male sex (odds ratio [OR], 7.82; P = 0.022) and additional organ resection (OR, 6.71; P = 0.027) were the risk factors. Five-year survival rates were similar (P = 0.143).

CONCLUSION

Fifteen percent of patients cannot receive a stoma reversal after laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer. Anastomotic stricture is the most common reason for the failure of stoma takedown. Having complications, particularly an anastomotic leak and the necessity of reoperation, limits the stoma closure rate. Male sex and additional organ resection are the risk factors for the failure in multivariate analyses. These patients require a longer hospitalization period, but have similar survival rates as those who receive stoma closure procedure.

Determinants of stoma reversal in rectal cancer patients who had an anterior resection between 2009 and 2012 in the English National Health Service

AIM

The rate of ileostomy reversal was estimated in patients undergoing an elective anterior resection for rectal cancer and factors associated with reversal were identified.

METHOD

The records of 4879 rectal patients who had an ileostomy created during anterior resection between 2009 and 2012 were identified in the National Bowel Cancer Audit database and linked to administrative records of the Hospital Episode Statistics. Patients were followed from surgery. Multivariable proportional hazards regression was used to estimate the impact of patient and cancer characteristics on ileostomy reversal with death as the competing risk.

RESULTS

Within 18 months from anterior resection, 3536 (72.5%) patients had undergone ileostomy reversal. The reversal rate was lower in the following circumstances: older patients [hazard ratio (HR) 0.90; 95% CI 0.84-0.96, aged 80 vs 70 years], male gender (HR 0.90; 0.84-0.97), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade (HR 0.64; 0.56-0.74, ASA 3+ vs 1), more advanced cancer (HR 0.77; 0.69-0.87, T3 vs T1), socioeconomic deprivation (HR 0.83; 0.74-0.93, most vs least deprived quintile), comorbidity (HR 0.92; 0.84-1.00, one vs no comorbidity) and open surgical procedure (HR 0.90; 0.84-0.97, open vs laparoscopic).

CONCLUSION

Overall, two-thirds of ileostomies were reversed within 18 months. Reversal rates were linked to patient and cancer characteristics (age, sex, fitness and stage), mode of surgical access and socioeconomic deprivation. Observed lower reversal rates in patients from poorer backgrounds may indicate inequity in access.

Diverting ileostomy in laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery: high price of protection

BACKGROUND

Anastomotic leakage presents the most feared complication after low anterior resection (LAR). A proximal diversion of the gastrointestinal tract is recommended to avoid septic complications of anastomotic leakage. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the benefits and risks of diverting ileostomy (DI) created during laparoscopic LAR because of low rectal cancer.

METHODS

This was a retrospective clinical cohort study conducted to assess outcomes of laparoscopic LAR with/without DI in a single institution within a 6-year period.

RESULTS

In total, 151 patients were enrolled in the study (73 patients without DI, 78 patients with DI). There were no significant differences between both groups regarding demographic and clinical features. Overall 30-day morbidity rates were significantly lower in patients without DI (23.3 vs. 42.3 %, P = 0.013). Symptomatic anastomotic leakage occurred more frequently in patients without DI (9.6 vs. 2.5 %, P = 0.090); surgical intervention was needed in 6.8 % of patients without DI. Post-operative hospital stay was significantly longer in the group of patients with DI (11.3 ± 8.5 vs. 8.1 ± 6.9 days, P = 0.013). Stoma-related complications occurred in 42 of 78 (53.8 %) patients with DI; some patients had more than one complication. Acute surgery was needed in 9 patients (11.5 %) because of DI-related complications. Small bowel obstruction due to DI semi-rotation around its longitudinal axis was seen in 3 patients (3.8 %) and presents a distinct complication of DI laparoscopic construction. The mean interval between LAR and DI reversal was more than 8 months; only 19.2 % of patients were reversed without delay (≤4 months). Morbidity after DI reversal was 16.6 %; re-laparotomy was necessary in 2.5 % of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study indicates that DI protects low rectal anastomosis from septic complications at a cost of many stoma-related complications, substantial risk of acute surgery necessity and long stoma periods coupled with decreased quality of life.